thus forming a people; the thought which naturally arises is this: The power that artists can exercise, and the prerogative they possess, is one which might prove exceedingly dangerous; for while it may work for good, it may also work very potently for evil. Does it matter who interprets the world? who gives a meaning to things? who adjusts and systematises Nature? and who imposes order upon chaos ?

"Most certainly it matters. For a thousand meanings are possible, and men may have a thousand shots at the target of life, before striking precisely that valuation which is most in harmony with a lofty and noble existence. And though they have been aiming for years, other interpretations are still possible.

"What is so important in the artist is, that disorder and confusion are the loadstones that attract him. Though, in stating this, I should ask you to remember that he sees disorder and confusion where, very often, the ordinary person imagines everything to be admirably arranged. Still, the fact remains that he finds his greatest proof of power only where his ordering and simplifying mind meets with something whereon it may stamp its two strongest features: Order and Simplicity; and where he is strong, relative disorder is his element, and the arrangement of this disorder is his product. Stimulated by

disorder, which he despises, he is driven to his work; spurred by the sight of anarchy, his inspiration is government; fertilised by rudeness and ruggedness, his will to power gives birth to culture and refinement. He gives of himself-his business is to make things reflect him." 1

A creative genius is a rational optimist: he must necessarily be one in view of the nature of his work, which is always of a strenuous and heartbreaking order. But it is the optimism, the firm faith, and belief in high ideals, which enables genius to pursue its course with steadfastness and consistency. And to possess the qualifications essential to this work is to possess virtues far in excess of the average man. Let no man, therefore, be discouraged if he be called an optimist provided he pursue his work rationally.

There are, of course, many foolish optimists, but as there must be some good in the work they do-all of their work cannot be waste. As the old proverb says, ""Tis better to have tried and lost than never to have tried at all." But these remarks can only apply to speculative thought or invention. It would be unwise to place the foolish optimist in any position of responsibility where the interests of others may be placed in hazard.

The pessimist, on the other hand, is usually a 1 Nietzsche and Art (Ludovici).

cynic-a person who never can have ideals except perhaps selfish ones. He is usually a materialist who hates to do anything out of the common in case it may lose him his position or money. The pessimist is never a person who would be willing to sacrifice anything for the common good or for a friend. The pessimist always seems to forget that he cannot take his earthly goods beyond the grave. The joy of life, and of seeing unseen things is unknown to him. The pessimist has his uses, however. He is useful in carrying on the existing state of things-but he must always be the servant of circumstances-never their master.

Let genius then pursue its way joyfully.

As Mr. Ludovici states, "However elementary our technical knowledge of the matter may be, we, as simple inquirers, have but to look about our streets to-day in order to convince ourselves of the ignominious muddle of modern architecture." And the same thing may be said of the architecture of modern society.

Now our main reason for touching upon this phase of the subject is this, that we believe the National System of Economics conforms and lends itself to true art, that it affords a rich field for the activities of creative genius, and that it is only through the National System which has a definite aim and purpose that Democracy can the most readily attain to its ideals.

It is the science of Laissez-faire, Laissez-passer, which has sown the seeds of chaos and anarchy. In America, where the National System has obtained its greatest development, patriotism is aflame in the ranks of organised labour. What a contrast as compared with this country! It is clearly not the fault of the people, but of the working conditions, and the system, which surrounds their every-day existence.

CHAPTER VII

IRELAND AND THE NATIONAL SYSTEM

I

IT is characteristic of the British race to be conservatively inclined towards those political institutions, and economic systems, which, for various reasons, have served it well, either in an individual or collective capacity. But history has demonstrated on more than one occasion that this same virtue has hindered the development of rational progressive movements; that it has been responsible for the failure to recognise in time the need for changes political and social. Most people are apt to forget that just as modern society has been constituted by human hands, the result of infinite effort, sacrifice and compromise, sometimes with creative genius and sometimes without, so if wise reforms are not introduced in time it can be destroyed by human hands in one hour of passion; and no more striking example is to be found than that which Russia provides to-day.

There is a large section of our population